“We greatly appreciate this CFF grant and the support from the Baker-Polito administration and Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Mahaiwe has welcomed over half-a-million audience members since 2005 and the building has seen much wear and tear. This important grant helps us preserve the historic venue,” said Mahaiwe Executive Director Beryl Jolly. “It will support updates to the sound equipment to meet the expectations of the international touring artists who are now selling out at the theater on an annual basis. It will also allow us to improve energy efficiency by using LED lights in several new locations.”

MassDevelopment and Massachusetts Cultural Council jointly administer the CFF, and an advisory committee appointed by the Governor provides oversight to its operation. The new round of awards includes 61 capital grants totaling about $8.9 million and another 18 planning grants totaling nearly $400,000. Grants range from $7,000 to $300,000, and must be matched one-to-one from private and/or other public sources.

CFF grants are highly competitive: The Fund received 131 applications in this round seeking nearly $28 million for projects. Over $100 million in CFF awards since 2007 have supported 772 building projects in the nonprofit arts, sciences, and humanities, with total development costs of $2.6 billion, driving cultural tourism, job growth, and community vitality in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Over ten years CFF-funded projects have supported 8,512 full time jobs and $492 million in wages, employed 23,778 architects, engineers, contractors, and construction workers, and created 2,092 new permanent jobs.

About the Mahaiwe
Located in downtown Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is the year-round presenter of world-class music, dance, theater, classic films, Live in HD broadcasts, and arts education programs for the southern Berkshires and neighboring regions. The intimate jewel box of a theater opened in 1905. Since 2005, the performing arts center has hosted over 1,000 events and welcomed over half a million people through its doors. The Mahaiwe has now welcomed over 16,000 students from 57 different schools for its school-time performances and residencies. For tickets and information, see www.mahaiwe.org or call413.528.0100.

About the Berkshires
Less than three hours from New York City and Boston, the Berkshires offers culture and adventure year-round. The surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor excursions in all seasons while world class culture and entertainment, along with a deeply rooted food culture and an array of lodging options amidst picturesque towns, set this region apart. For more information, visit berkshires.org.